RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

Hi All

I am a 31 year old single lad from Birmingham. I am planning to move over to Nz either Wellington or Auckland with my brother who is 27. Plan on going next year. We are British born (our heritage is Indian). I am concerned about one issues racism? Will we struggle to find jobs there because of the colour of our skin?. Britain has come so far in terms of race relations and multi-culturalism, everyone has an equal chance. My greatest fear is going over to Nz and being treated a second class citizen and struggle to find jobs. Whats there public sector jobs like ? Any help/advice would be most appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

As far as I am aware the colour of your skin should not be any more of an issue than in Britain, although I haven't lived there for a long time so I could be corrected. I would say though that in the current economic climate you will probably be discriminated against on the grounds of being a foreigner or an immigrant. I suspect a local would get a job over you regardless of the skin colour of either person.

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

Thanks for ur message .Fair enough so it will be pretty hard to find employment in this present economic climate ... I may try in 12 months time to secure employment. Because there isnt a large South Asian population in Nz i feel it may be difficult to build a life there and easier for those who are White British

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

Here is an interesting article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asi...ic/3192425.stm

Note that it is quite an old article.

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

interesting read, Thanks

Well i guess it comes down to how much you want to live in Nz. If you go ahead and think positively and dont let other people get you down with their racist remarks then I guess you will succeed. Look how well South Asian people have done in the UK through enterprise regardless of the racism faced?. Who knows , its sad that one has to think like this even in 2009

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

One thing you will find is people doing a double take if you say you are Asian. In much the same way a friend of mine (Indian, but born & raised Wellington girl) did a double take and 'corrected' someone in London when they referred to her as Asian. Her response "no I'm not, I'm Indian". With a broad kiwi accent. Probably confused both of them then.

To kiwis (and Australians, and a few others...I think Americans and Canadians?) Asian = people from the countries considered in the 'orient'. China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia etc. As a term of use, 'oriental' is a big no no. Akin to calling someone negro or coloured.

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

I don't think NZ is any more racist than the UK at all, in fact there is probably still more racism in the UK in some areas. There is certainly nothing like many of the North-Western towns in NZ where there would ever be racial conflict.

As for bullying and harassment in the workplace, it can be incredibly hard to tell what the real motive behind this is. I've worked in the financial sector in London and it's very much testosterone driven, mostly males taking the piss out of each other and jumping on any weakness. I guess self conscious minorities could easily take offence when it isn't intended.

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

Thank You all for your messages. Crap Coffee I am suprised such racism or harrassment against British Asian or Indians would exist in a place like Wellington. I would have assummed such a place would be liberal and even welcome British Born Indians to there country because we can speak fluent English hence no language barrier.

Crap Coffee are you British Indian>?
I am in a difficult situation now i dont wish to be treated differently in nz. Crap coffee what do your friends work as for the city council? Also how long have u been out there? sorry for all the questions

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

No. I am not an Indian.....Not at all....:rofl:

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

Ok cool, so do your friends enjoy working for wellington?

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

I certainly do. and yes, they do. (they Love it) Its a very cool place to work IMO. :rofl: In fact, I am too busy to meet my Brit mates in order :eek: at lunch time every day .... cos I am a pretty girl :thumbsup: we so enjoy having lunch or coffee, tea & beer after work, cos there are loads of nice cafes & bars around... indulge ourselves too much :rofl::thumbup:

btw, have you read this?

http://www.emigratenz.org/ms-moving-to-wellington.html

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

Hey

crap coffee ( i do have to stop calling you that ) whats your proper name? Thats an interesting artciles they come from colchester which is a lovely place in england i come from Bham which urmm has its down sides lolz. So what made you moved to NZ? Do you miss living in England and your family?

ps were u born in Uk?

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

hey, it's fine you calling me crap coffee. .. I like Crap coffee.......btw. :rofl: (well. I don't drink crap coffee though)

I have to go to work/lecture early morning tomorrow so jumping into bed now. will talk to you later when I get some spare time. yes, born in Edinburgh. but didn't grow up there.

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

well. agree with all you’ve said - It makes sense to me.

here is an interesting article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...-report-police

Re: RACISM -OR NOT RACISM .?
 

Personally, I think if you're not conscious of it then other people aren't either. I'm quite tall and I'm blond with blue eyes but when I open my mouth I speak with an Irish accent and sometimes people can't get past that. It hasn't happened here really (once - when Munster played the ABs and I've cut the guy dead since - we can hold a grudge :D) but I did live in London for 7 years. You'll always find prejudiced people, whether it's against colour or nationality or religion but that's a reflection on them and not you. I just say 'their loss'! :)

I obviously know that there is racism out there (I've got a husband of Dutch parents - you want to see racism??? Get a couple of those!) but people have to get a filter and learn to know when people are laughing AT them or WITH them. You should only get pissed off at the ones laughing AT you!